Is Your Workout Hurting Your Smile? Athletes and Oral Health
January 20, 2015
A solid exercise regimen can do wonders for your overall health, but do you know how your workout routine may be affecting your teeth and gums? Recent research has uncovered a correlation between strenuous exercise and an increased risk for potentially serious oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman and his staff place an immense amount of emphasis on preventive dental care for patients of all ages, particularly athletes at risk for oral health complications.
Why Runners Have More Cavities
While we would certainly never advise that our patients quit their healthy workout routine, we do highly encourage athletes to be especially aware of their oral health in addition to their overall physical state. Running, for example, can be great for muscle tone, joint strength, and cardiovascular health, but it can also wreak havoc on your gums and teeth. This is because of a rather substantial change in saliva production and composition during and after a particularly demanding run.
Athletes and non-athletes alike were tested by researchers at a hospital’s dental lab in order to determine the cause of oral health issues in runners. Saliva was collected from both groups while the patients were sitting still and relaxed; the results showed no indication of heightened risk. When the athletes were sent off on an arduous run, however, something of interest was discovered. During and after exercise, saliva production actually lessened and the runners’ mouths became more alkaline.
Diminished saliva and an alkaline environment within the mouth have been linked to enamel erosion, dental caries, and an increased risk for periodontal disease. While previous studies had hinted at sugary sports drinks as a possible cause of poor oral health in runners, this new research has proven otherwise. Fortunately, there is an easy solution for this unique problem in athletes: regular visits to Dr. Weinman for preventive dentistry checkups and cleanings. We’ll help you identify your risk factors for cavities and gum disease, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that takes your athletic lifestyle into consideration when protecting your smile.
Healthy Smile, Healthy Body
If you’re an athlete, you already take great care of your body. If you haven’t visited the dentist in more than six months, now is the time to start taking better care of your smile. Contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Weinman and our experienced, knowledgeable staff. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health for years to come. Conveniently located in Westfield, NJ, our office proudly serves families from nearby communities in Cranford, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Fanwood, and more.
New Year, New Smile: Celebrate the Arrival of 2015 with David M. Weinman, DMD
December 22, 2014
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner; what will your resolutions help you achieve in 2015? Many people resolve to get into better shape, to save money, or to spend more quality time with family and friends. While these are certainly important and worthwhile resolutions, we have another idea we’d like to propose as well. At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, we invite you to make a unique sort of New Year’s resolution this January 1st: giving your smile the high-quality, personalized attention it deserves. With a comprehensive range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions available, Dr. Weinman and his team make it easy, convenient, and affordable to repair and rejuvenate your smile for 2015.
Making Your New Year’s Resolution Count
From gaps between teeth and stained enamel to chips, cracks, and teeth that are overlapped or crooked, the majority of us have at least one thing we wish we could change about our smile. For many, the problem isn’t so much cosmetic as it is a worry over decay or gum disease. Why not take the New Year as a fresh opportunity to treat yourself to a healthier, more beautiful smile? Dr. Weinman and his caring staff can help make your vision of a radiant smile a reality with cosmetic and restorative dentistry options, including:
- Dental implants
- Porcelain crowns
- Porcelain veneers
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Teeth whitening
- Crown and bridge
- Cosmetic bonding
- Invisalign clear aligners
We look forward to providing you with the exceptional oral health care you need and deserve, all within an environment designed with your comfort and satisfaction in mind. We aren’t happy until you absolutely love your smile!
Say Hello to 2015 with a Smile
If you’ve spent 2014 hiding your smile due to common issues like discolored teeth, damaged enamel, or receding gums, there’s never been a better time to take a step in right direction with restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Westfield, New Jersey. Dr. Weinman and his team genuinely can’t wait to share with you the innumerable possibilities afforded by our state-of-the-art technology and extensive experience. Contact us today to begin your new year off on the right foot with a consultation at David M. Weinman, DMD. Our family-friendly, patient-centric dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout Westfield and the surrounding communities, including Scotch Plains, Cranford, Mountainside, Fanwood, and beyond. We look forward to making 2015 the year your smile truly shines.
Tooth-Colored Fillings vs. Amalgam Fillings: Helpful Information from Dr. Weinman
November 20, 2014
For more than 150 years, cavities and other forms of tooth damage have been repaired with an amalgam of liquid mercury, silver, copper, tin, and other trace metals. While sufficient for restoring the structural integrity of a weakened tooth, amalgam fillings can be unsightly and unpredictable. Composite resin fillings – often referred to simply as tooth-colored fillings – are an aesthetically pleasing alternative to amalgam fillings, offering a natural look and long-lasting durability. At the office of Dr. David M. Weinman in Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman offers a comprehensive selection of restorative dentistry solutions, including tooth-colored fillings.
Advantages of Composite Resin Fillings
The most obvious reason that patients prefer composite resin fillings to silver amalgam fillings is the cosmetic benefit that they offer. Meticulously customized to match the shade of your existing enamel, tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly into your smile for a completely natural appearance.
Composite resin’s cosmetic advantages aren’t the only reason that they’ve become more popular over the past 20 years; unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are resistant to changes in temperature. Teeth repaired with mercury amalgam fillings are substantially more susceptible to microfractures that eventually compromise the strength of the enamel, whereas composite fillings maintain their shape and size regardless of exposure to heat and cold. Tooth-colored fillings also require that less of your natural tooth structure be removed, making them a considerably more conservative dental solution as compared to amalgam fillings.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Whether you are in need of a new filling or you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile with composite resin restorations, Dr. Weinman and his experienced, friendly team of dental professionals can help. Contact our office in Westfield, NJ today to schedule your consultation, and discover for yourself what a difference our genuinely caring approach and advanced technology can make in your next dental experience. Our warm, welcoming Westfield dental office is proud to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Cranford, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Fanwood, and more. We look forward to serving you and helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
Is Your Smile Ready for the Holidays? Reveal a Picture-Perfect Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
October 20, 2014
The holiday season is just around the corner, bringing with it the celebrations and get-togethers we’ve all come to happily anticipate and enjoy. If you feel your smile isn’t quite ready for family photos and holiday parties, there’s no need to despair. You still have time to reserve your appointment with Dr. David M. Weinman, the premier cosmetic dentist for Westfield, NJ and the surrounding areas. Let us show you how easy it can be to reveal your smile’s natural beauty just in time for the holidays.
Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry in Westfield, NJ
Dr. Weinman is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as well as the American Dental Association (ADA), and his comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry solutions includes everything Westfield, NJ residents need to achieve their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. From minor corrections with cosmetic bonding and teeth whitening to complete smile makeovers with Invisalign, dental implants, and porcelain veneers, Dr. Weinman offers an all-encompassing selection of cosmetic dentistry services. Our full list of safe, effective cosmetic treatments includes:
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Cosmetic bonding
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Zoom! Teeth Whitening (take-home kits and in-office treatments)
Though generally considered key components of restorative dentistry, dental implants and porcelain crowns are also excellent cosmetic solutions for patients who have damaged or missing teeth.
With modern cosmetic dentistry technology, Dr. Weinman can transform even the most damaged and cosmetically flawed smiles, allowing his patients to finally love what they see in the mirror. We invite you to explore our gallery of beautiful smile makeovers to see the amazing results for yourself.
Smile with Total Confidence
Contact our office today to schedule your personal consultation with your local Westfield, NJ cosmetic dentist, Dr. David M. Weinman. Our entire team genuinely looks forward to helping you reveal a gorgeous, confident smile you’ll love to show off this holiday season. Our conveniently located Westfield, NJ dentist’s office is privileged to serve patients from throughout surrounding communities as well, including Scotch Plains, Cranford, Fanwood, Mountainside, and more.
Reclaim Your Smile and Your Life with Implant-Retained Dentures in Westfield, NJ
September 16, 2014
Thanks in large part to advances in dental technology, today’s edentulous adults — or those who are missing all of their teeth — have a variety of restorative options from which to choose. Widely considered the best restorative option available today, dental implants are a versatile solution that allows for total tooth replacement in most cases. At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman and his staff believe that each and every one of our patients deserves to enjoy the full benefits of a complete, healthy smile. This is why we are proud to offer a comprehensive menu of restorative dentistry solutions, including implant-retained dentures.
Why Choose Implant-Retained Dentures?
A chief complaint of patients who wear a mandibular denture is a general lack of retention. Dentures can be prone to slipping and sliding, making eating and speaking difficult and potentially embarrassing. An ill-fitting prosthesis can even cause a substantial amount of pain, particularly when the patient attempts to chew certain foods. Fortunately, dental implants make it possible to secure an overdenture to the jaw in a way that feels, functions, and looks like the patient’s natural dentition.
With tiny, biocompatible posts called dental implants, Dr. Weinman can firmly attach a custom denture to the gums and jaw to improve strength, comfort, and aesthetics. In addition to restoring your smile and your ability to enjoy your favorite foods comfortably, dental implants effectively mitigate the bone density deterioration that occurs following tooth loss. By stimulating the tissue in the jaw bone, your dental implants help your jaw maintain its shape. Many edentulous patients who have experienced problems with traditional dentures say that implant-retained dentures are the ideal tooth replacement solution for their needs.
Regain Your Smile and Your Confidence
Westfield, NJ implant dentist Dr. Weinman understands that each patient has complex, unique needs when it comes to tooth replacement. We’d love to be your trusted partners in your journey toward a fully functional and beautiful new smile with implant-retained dentures and our other restorative dentistry solutions. Contact our office in Westfield, NJ today to schedule your visit and to explore the possibilities afforded by implant dentistry. Our conveniently located dental practice proudly serves the oral healthcare needs of families from throughout Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Mountainside, Fanwood, and beyond.
The Vital Value of IV Sedation Dentistry with Dr. David M. Weinman
August 12, 2014
IV sedation has become an indispensable asset in the world of dentistry, allowing patients who are fearful regarding treatment to receive the care they need and deserve. If you or someone in your family has avoided seeking dental treatment due to feelings of anxiety or an excessively sensitive gag reflex, Dr. Weinman and his team can help. At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, we offer a variety of sedation dentistry solutions to help our patients find peace, calm, relaxation, and comfort in the dental chair, including IV sedation.
Advantages of IV Sedation
There are a variety of reasons that a patient might benefit from the use of IV sedation. In many cases, a fear of going to the dentist – whether it be related to the conceived possibility of pain or the memory of a negative experience – actually results in the worsening of otherwise easily treated conditions. When problems like tooth decay and gingivitis aren’t addressed in a timely manner, they typically evolve into much more serious issues that, in turn, require more extensive treatment. The thought of more extensive treatment leads to an even deeper sense of trepidation, thereby continuing the cycle of avoidance. This is where IV sedation dentistry at Dr. Weinman’s office becomes a critical factor in restoring a state of optimal oral health.
Proven safe and effective in a variety of applications, IV sedation causes a patient to feel drowsy and relaxed within mere minutes. Sensations of nervousness, tension, and discomfort begin to dissolve, leaving you feeling light and carefree. You may even fall asleep, but you can be woken easily to respond to our verbal cues. When your treatment is complete, you’ll awaken feeling rested and will likely find it difficult to remember any details from your procedure.
IV Sedation Dentistry You Can Trust
At David M. Weinman, DMD, we know that it isn’t easy to find dentists in the area that offer comprehensive dental care and IV sedation under one roof. In many cases, patients are expected to drive to a hospital in order to receive this type of anesthesia, an issue that most would consider more than a small inconvenience.
When you visit our practice, you’ll enjoy all of the dental treatments you and your family need along with a board certified anesthesiologist on site. Dr. Weinman partners with renowned anesthesiologist Glen Atlas, M.D., M.Sc. Dr. Atlas is board certified in both anesthesiology and pain management, and is a professor at the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He is also a professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers University. With the proven skill and experience of our team and Dr. Atlas, you can rest assured in the knowledge that you are safe, secure, and that your treatment will be a fear-free, pain-free experience.
Other common issues that are effectively addressed by the use of IV sedation include an overly sensitive gag reflex, the inability to lie still for an extended period of time, patients with special needs, and neck or back problems that make sitting in the dental chair especially uncomfortable. Dr. Weinman and our caring staff will ensure that you are completely comfortable, relaxed, and closely monitored throughout the duration of your treatment; you’re in trusted, capable hands with Dr. Weinman and Dr. Atlas.
Easing Dental Fears with Sedation Dentistry
Contact our office today to schedule your appointment and discover the difference that our caring approach and expertise in IV sedation dentistry can make in your next dental experience. We look forward to serving you and your family with the gentle, effective, and customized care you need to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for life. Our state-of-the-art dental practice in Westfield, NJ warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including communities in Fanwood, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Cranford, and beyond.
Top Causes of Tooth Decay: What You Need to Know About Cavities
July 22, 2014
Dental caries (more commonly known as cavities) are caused by a variety of factors and can lead to serious oral health consequences if not treated in a timely manner. At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, Dr. David Weinman provides patients of all ages with comprehensive preventive and restorative dentistry solutions, including treatments that help to inhibit tooth decay and repair damage caused by cavities.
What Causes Cavities?
What is the answer that immediately comes to mind when asked this question? Is it sugar? If so, you’re not far from the truth. The bacteria in your mouth feed and thrive on the sugars and carbohydrates you consume throughout the course of your day, producing acid as they do so. It is the acid produced by these bacteria that actually causes tooth decay. While the enamel that protects the inner layers of your teeth is the strongest substance found within the human body, it is nonetheless susceptible to acid erosion.
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice per day – as well as visiting Dr. Weinman every six months for a checkup and cleaning – can substantially help to reduce your chances of developing cavities, even if you do indulge in the occasional sweet treat. Rinse your mouth with water after each meal and limit beverages like sodas and sports drinks, both of which typically contain citric acid and can cause further demineralization of your enamel.
Other common cavity culprits include chronic dry mouth and teeth grinding. In cases of dry mouth, a lack of saliva puts teeth at a greater risk of damage caused by acid-laden plaque. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, weakens the enamel over time and can make it easier for detrimental bacteria to work their way into the deeper layers of your teeth. Fortunately, Dr. Weinman can treat both of these problems as well, improving your comfort and bolstering your chances of avoiding cavities altogether.
Protect Your Smile with Dr. Weinman
If you’d like to learn more about simple ways you can protect yourself and your family from tooth decay, contact our office in Westfield, NJ today. Dr. Weinman and his caring, experienced staff look forward to helping you defend your smile against damaging tooth decay with a full menu of general and preventive dentistry services designed to suit your lifestyle. Our patient-centric practice also happily welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Cranford, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Fanwood, and beyond.
Understanding TMJ Disorder and How It Is Treated with Dr. David M. Weinman
June 9, 2014
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 5 to 12% of the American population suffers from a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. It is a painful dysfunction of the muscles and joints that comprise the jaw; failure to treat TMJ disorder can lead to chronic discomfort and lasting damage to the delicate cranial and oral structures it affects. Fortunately, Dr. David M. Weinman offers proven TMJ disorder treatment to patients in Westfield, NJ and the surrounding areas, providing lasting relief from jaw and facial pain in a way that suits your lifestyle.
The Importance of Treating TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ disorders are the second most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions in the United States, falling only slightly behind chronic lower back pain. They are the leading cause of facial pain in adults between the ages of 35 and 74. Women are at least twice as likely to develop TMJ problems as men, and women who are taking oral contraceptives and/or prescription estrogen supplements are substantially more likely to experience the painful consequences of the disorder.
Though the precise cause of TMJ disorder varies from case to case, the symptoms are generally fairly typical across the board. Jaw pain, for example, is the primary symptom exhibited by men and women whose temporomandibular joint has become inflamed or otherwise injured. Other symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include the following:
- Unexplained earaches, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Aching muscles in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Limited jaw mobility, or pain when opening and closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or speaking normally
- A clicking or popping sound when opening the jaw wide or chewing
- A feeling that the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) do not fit together properly
Treating TMJ disorders not only helps to alleviate the persistent pain a patient suffers on a daily basis, but actually aids in the prevention of further damage to the jaw and related muscles. In order to determine the best TMJ solution for your unique case, Dr. Weinman will perform a thorough assessment of your mouth and jaw, as well as your dental and medical history. An oral appliance (also called a mouthguard or oral splint) can be specifically designed for you and customized to fit your dentition. This is one of the most common and effective methods of treating TMJ disorders and bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding (often associated with TMJ dysfunction).
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you suspect that you or someone in your family may be suffering from TMJ disorder, contact our office today. We look forward to becoming your trusted partner in the pursuit of optimal oral health and overall wellness. From our conveniently located practice in Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman happily welcomes patients from throughout Cranford, Mountainside, Fanwood, Scotch Plains, and beyond.
Dental Implant Post-Op Diet Tips from Dr. David M. Weinman
May 20, 2014
Dental implants have rapidly become the vastly preferred restorative dentistry solution to missing teeth, offering unparalleled structural stability and a naturally attractive appearance. At the Westfield, NJ dental practice of Dr. David M. Weinman, we believe that every one of our patients deserves to enjoy the full benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile; this is why we offer comprehensive implant dentistry services, as well as valuable post-op diet information to help ensure successful treatment and happier patients.
Vital Dietary Information for Dental Implant Patients
While we understand that food may be the furthest thing from your mind following any kind of oral surgery, it is important to understand the relationship between post-op diet and successful healing. Your body is only as strong as the nutrients you give it to thrive, and the period following dental implant surgery is a critical time of healing. It is, therefore, critical that you consume the right kinds of foods while your dental implant is fusing with your jawbone, all without disrupting the recovery process. Nutritional recommendations for dental implant patients include the following:
- For the first week of your recovery process, a diet of mostly soft foods is advised. Any food that causes you discomfort should be avoided.
- Your body needs protein to heal, but meats can be difficult to chew at first. Choose high-protein alternatives like eggs, beans, tofu, milk, yogurt, and soft seafood instead.
- Hydration is key during the healing process, so increase your water intake to bolster your immune system and to facilitate a faster recovery. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these are the most common offenders when it comes to dehydration.
- Find much-needed vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables of the softer variety, including bananas, peaches, tomatoes, melons, berries, and cooked vegetables like squash, broccoli, and carrots.
Just as is the case with any of our other cosmetic or restorative dentistry treatments, you will be provided with accurate, up-to-date, and personalized information regarding proper aftercare following your implant procedure. Dr. Weinman and his team are here to answer any questions you may have before, during, and after the process, as well as to allay any concerns that may arise. We are here to help you achieve the complete, radiant smile you’ve always wanted!
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Have missing teeth caused you to feel insecure about your smile in personal and professional endeavors? Do you find yourself wishing that you could eat, speak, and smile comfortably without the possibility of slipping dentures or other dental prosthetics? Dental implants may be the solution for you. We look forward to helping you rebuild your dentition and your smile in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Weinman and our team to discover what a dramatic difference this state-of-the-art restorative procedure can make in your daily life. Our conveniently located dental practice in Westfield, NJ also happily serves patients from throughout nearby communities in Scotch Plains, Cranford, Fanwood, Mountainside, and beyond.
Protect Your Family from the Threat of Oral Cancer with Preventive Dentistry in Westfield, NJ
April 14, 2014
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 43,250 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. This common disease has been known to lead to an estimated 8,000 deaths annually, but that number is gradually – and thankfully – diminishing. This decrease in the number of casualties is due in large part to increased awareness and routine oral cancer screenings like those performed at the Westfield, NJ dental practice of Dr. David M. Weinman.
Oral Cancer Screening: How Important is It?
As with any other type of cancer or serious illness, oral cancer is most successfully treated when it is diagnosed in its earliest stages. Routine screenings at our office allow Dr. Weinman to detect the early signs of oral cancer before they become visible to the naked eye.
Though there is no substitute for oral cancer screenings performed by a trained and qualified dental professional, there are some signs and symptoms you can look for at home between visits to our office. Red or white patches, unexplained swelling, tenderness or numbness, and unusual hoarseness are all common symptoms often associated with oral cancer. However, because these problems can also be indicative of other issues, it’s important to contact Dr. Weinman anytime you notice something out of the ordinary.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If it has been more than six months since you last visited the dentist, it’s time for your routine check-up! At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, we always make sure that you feel welcome and comfortable, walking you through the steps of your treatment in a way that is always honest and easy to understand. Contact us at our family-friendly practice today to find out more about oral cancer screening and how our team can help protect you and your loved ones. We happily serve patients from throughout Scotch Plains, Cranford, Fanwood, Mountainside, and beyond. We can’t wait to see your beautiful smile!